The Torah commands us to keep Shabbat, but what if a doctor is called to perform emergency surgery? We are taught to honor our parents, but what if they forbid us from studying Torah? These are the kinds of dilemmas Talmudic rabbis have wrestled with for centuries.
 
This lesson plan will challenge students to think like Talmudic scholars as they grapple with conflicting Jewish laws through guided discussions, debates, and real-life scenarios.
 
To support this exploration, the lesson plan includes detailed guides that provide students with a clear understanding of the Torah and the Talmud. Whether students are new to these texts or already have some background knowledge, these guides offer a thorough overview to deepen their understanding.
 
The accompanying worksheets include thought-provoking questions that give students opportunities to practice applying Jewish texts and reasoning to complex situations.
 
Unit 1: The Torah and the Talmud
Students will step into the role of Talmudic scholars as they examine ethical dilemmas and debate how Jewish law applies in challenging situations, such as a doctor called to work on Shabbat or a family deciding whether to eat non-kosher food.
 
Unit 2: Maimonides’ Ladder of Tzedakah
Students will explore the concept of hierarchical giving by organizing eight cards featuring Maimonides’ Ladder of Tzedakah. They will arrange the cards according to what they believe represents the highest moral values. This activity expands students’ understanding of Jewish texts and values while encouraging critical thinking and thoughtful philosophical discussions.